Golden leaves go missing

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Pukekura Park's latest addition, a gold-glittered tree, has generated a lot of interest - both good and bad.

And Auckland artist Reuben Paterson is pleading with the community to respect his 4.5-metre high sculpture, after some of the leaves were taken from the tree yesterday, a day after it was installed at the New Plymouth park.

People flocked to the Boatshed Lawn yesterday to enjoy the tree, which was created by Paterson, the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery's artist in residence.

Two girls from Germany even spent part of their day playing the ukulele beneath it's shady golden foliage, Anna McLaren, the gallery's communications manager said.

"Unfortunately, some people were so attracted to the tree, they wanted to take a souvenir, picking golden leaves to take away as mementos."

Paterson now hoped people would take only photos of the tree, to ensure that it remained intact for the full duration of the six-month exhibition, so that the entire community could enjoy it.

"It was inspired by Taranaki's gardens and the warm community here," he said.

"Pukekura Park is such a beautiful setting and I want the artwork to be accessible and open for all."